A Bwa Hawk Mask (Duho)...

Description

A Bwa Hawk Mask (Duho)
Burkina Faso, c. early 20th century

Carved in elongated horizontal form, this plank mask represents a hawk or the spirit of a raptor, its wide flat wings painted in white and black natural earth pigments, framing an inverted triangular face with additional red pigments. The simplified avian form, abstract yet recognizable, reflects the Bwa artists' remarkable ability to translate natural models into powerful graphic compositions. In very good condition, a horizontal stable crack on each wing.

Such bird masks are performed in initiation and agricultural ceremonies, where they invoke the vigilance and predatory force of raptors, protecting the community and ensuring fertility.

This mask has an important pedigree: formerly with the Wright Gallery, Thomas G.B. Wheelock, and Lance Entwistle, it was exhibited in the landmark Wild Spirits, Strong Medicine exhibition (Center for African Art, New York, 1989; later traveled to Northwestern, Miami, Columbus, and Worcester museums) and published in the accompanying catalogue.

With its elegant form, striking graphic design, and distinguished publication and exhibition history, this Bwa hawk mask stands as a museum-level work-highly desirable to both connoisseurs of African art and art collectors in general.

Provenance:
Acquired by the current collection in 1992
Lance Entwistle, London, UK and New York, NY
Thomas G.B. Wheelock, New York, NY
The Wright Gallery, New York, NY

Published:
Anderson, Martha G., and Christine Mullen Kreamer, Wild Spirits Strong Medicine: African Art and the Wilderness, The Center for African Art, New York, 1989, p. 120, no. 78.
Bacquart, Jean-Baptiste, The Tribal Arts of Africa, London: Thames & Hudson, 1999
L'Art tribal d'Afrique Noire, Paris: Editions Assouline, 1998:68, #6
Online at African Heritage Documentation and Research Centre (AHDRC) #0170840

Exhibited:
Wild Spirits, Strong Medicine - African Art and the Wilderness, Center for African Art, New York, May 10 - August 20, 1989
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, September 21 - November 22, 1989
The Lowe Art Museum, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, December 14, 1989 - January 28, 1990
The Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, OH, February 18 - April 30, 1990
The Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA, September 15 - December 1, 1990.

Width: 57 inches

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.